San Remo Channel Challenge
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Event details
The San Remo Channel Challenge takes place on Saturday 21 February 2026 as part of the Bass Coast Series (Leg 3). The event comprises a swim from San Remo on the mainland across the Westernport channel to Newhaven on Phillip Island, followed by a run back to San Remo. The swim and run distances are:
- 550 m swim
- 2 km run
The swim starts from the San Remo foreshore south of the pier and finishes at Newhaven. Competitors run from the Newhaven transition area, cross the Phillip Island Bridge and finish in the main street of San Remo in front of the San Remo Hotel Motel. The swim takes place at slack water of the high tide, which lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. The event is held alongside a day-long festival with market stalls, food vendors and live music. Proceeds support volunteer lifesaving services for Phillip Island and the surrounding region.
Entry, safety and prizes
Registration is online only. Race kits are collected at the San Remo Hotel Motel on race day. Minimum competitor age is 15 years on the day. Categories include junior, senior, age groups, local and relay teams. All participants receive a Channel Challenge T-shirt; size availability may be limited after 9 February. Prize categories include cash and product prizes (totaling $3,000 cash plus $3,000 in products and services). Timing uses a transponder bracelet that must be worn at all times; lost or unreturned transponders incur a replacement charge. Wetsuits are permitted; artificial propulsion devices are not. Swimmers must wear the issued swim cap and start in their assigned wave. In-water assistance procedures are specified, and IRB or jet ski recovery results in retirement from the race. Results are published online after the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.